Smart Business Articles

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payroll + hr + compliance

Close-up of a person filling out IRS Form W-9 on a wooden desk with other tax documents nearby.

Do You Need a W‑9 From Every Vendor or Contractor?

Not sure if you really need a W‑9 from that vendor you just paid? It’s a common question, and skipping it can lead to IRS penalties or filing...

payroll + hr + compliance
A stressed small business owner sits at a cluttered desk, holding their head in frustration while facing a desktop screen filled with a messy email inbox. A disorganized stack of printed résumés and papers is visible in the foreground, reflecting the chaos of a disjointed hiring process.

Is Your Hiring Process Costing You Great Candidates?

Let’s face it, hiring can get messy fast. You’ve got applications coming in through your website, LinkedIn, maybe even someone’s cousin dropping off...

payroll + hr + compliance
A man sits at a table in a restaurant, working on a laptop displaying a payroll spreadsheet with columns for Employee, Reg., Tips, Overtime, Holiday, and PTO. A notebook beside him has a checklist reading “check payroll coding,” “Tips,” and “Overtime,” with the last two items checked. A coffee mug sits next to the notebook, and cafe staff and customers converse in the background.

How to Prepare Payroll for 2025 Tip & Overtime Tax Deductions

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brought in two new payroll-related deductions for 2025. They could be a real benefit for employees—but only if...

payroll + hr + compliance
Over-the-shoulder view of a woman reviewing a W-9 form on her desktop computer in a warm, softly lit home office with natural light and a brass lamp.

Misclassifying Employees: How 1099 Mistakes Lead to Fines and Audits

Hiring a contractor might seem easier—less paperwork, fewer costs. But what if that “contractor” is actually an employee in disguise? You could be on...

payroll + hr + compliance
Split-screen image showing the difference between DIY payroll and using a payroll service—on the left, a business owner looks overwhelmed; on the right, she appears calm and confident with a simplified payroll setup.

Payroll Options for Small Business: What to Consider Before You Choose

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably had to make some important decisions about payroll—whether to handle it yourself, use software, or...

payroll + hr + compliance

New Employee Leave Laws Explained—What They Mean for Your Business

If you run a business, you know how fast employee leave laws can shift. One minute, everything’s running smoothly, and the next, there’s a new rule...

payroll + hr + compliance
A smiling team of automotive technicians wearing matching uniforms, representing a well-structured workforce. The image highlights the importance of proper worker classification for compliance, business success, and a happy team.

Subcontractor or Employee? Get Worker Classification Right Every Time

Let’s set the scene: you’re running a business, you’ve got a mountain of work, and you need help. You bring someone on board, thinking, “Great!...

payroll + hr + compliance
Three employees work late in a dimly lit office, their desks illuminated by computer screens. This scene reflects the reality of payroll compliance challenges, as businesses adjust to evolving overtime laws to avoid costly penalties.

Overtime Law Changes: What Business Owners Need to Know

Overtime Laws Changed in 2024—Here’s How to Keep Your Business Compliant If you own a business, you already know that keeping up with payroll laws...

payroll + hr + compliance
An HR professional sits at a desk, reviewing paperwork with a focused expression, while an employee with an ice pack on their elbow sits across the desk. The scene depicts a professional and empathetic conversation in a well-lit office, emphasizing Workers' Compensation compliance and support.

What Is a Workers’ Comp Audit and How Can Your Business Be Ready?

Running a business is no small feat—there’s always something to manage, and a Workers’ Compensation (Workers’ Comp) audit might be one of them. If...

payroll + hr + compliance insurance
Sunlit office desk with a laptop displaying payroll software, surrounded by documents, a pen, and a branded coffee mug. A Christmas tree with glowing lights is visible in the background, evoking a productive and festive year-end atmosphere.

Year-End Payroll and Tax Tips Every Small Business Must Know

As the year winds down, there’s more than just holiday cheer and New Year’s resolutions on the horizon. For small business owners, this time of year...

payroll + hr + compliance
A couple in their mid-sixties frolics on a white sandy beach, while, in the foreground, a golden piggy bank and gold coins are situated on a piece of driftwood, representing retirement savings. The couple is carefree knowing they've saved for their later years.

Mandated Retirement Funds: What It Means for Your Business

Retirement planning plays a crucial role in both supporting your employees' financial futures and keeping your business compliant with evolving state...

payroll + hr + compliance
A laptop displays YPD's isolved employee calendar. isolved is a cloud-based payroll system that streamlines time-off requests, approvals, and tracking and ensures compliance with paid leave laws.

Paid Leave Laws for Small Businesses: Why Compliance is Crucial

Paid leave laws have become a critical aspect of employee benefits, especially for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). These laws are designed...

payroll + hr + compliance
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